Obama's Michigan proposal...Midwest flooding...Stocks posting gains

Washington (AP) Barack Obama's campaign is proposing that he and Hillary Rodham CLinton split Michigan's delegates to the Democratic National Convention. The Clinton campaign is rejecting the idea, saying the people of Michigan "need to have their voices heard." Obama didn't run in the state's January 15th primary, because the national party declared it to be too early and in violation of party rules. The fate of delegates from Florida and Michigan is still up in the air.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Authorities in Missouri, Ohio and other Midwestern states are warning residents that rivers are still rising. The first day of spring has brought sunshine, but it follows days of rain that have caused flooding across the region.

At least 14 deaths are being linked to the weather. And the National Weather Service says record rainfall and melting snow could mean yet more flooding as spring progresses.

NEW YORK (AP) Stocks appear to be rebounding today after yesterday's nearly 300-point loss in the Dow. Today's surge comes despite a pair of reports that are feeding worries about the economy. The Labor Department reports an increase in new unemployment claims last week. And the Conference Board says its index of economic indicators fell for the fifth month in a row in February.

WASHINGTON (AP) The Bush administration is warning the nation's banks to look out for moves by Iran to hide financial dealings. The Treasury Department says Tehran is using "an array of deceptive practices" to hide its alleged involvement in nuclear proliferation and terrorism.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Vice President Cheney says the U.S.

commitment to Afghanistan is "firm and unshakable," and he's calling NATO allies to step up their commitments. Cheney made an unannounced visit today to Afghanistan, where he met with President Hamid Karzai.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 03-20-08 1248CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list